ANTON WEBERN

Concerto, Op.24

"With Pierrot lunaire we come to Schoenberg at his most taxing, with its vocal writing that combines speech and vocal line. Yet if anyone can convince the listener that it can provide a unique atmosphere it is Jane manning. She steers a masterful course between the twin perils, on the one hand actually singing, on the other simply speaking. Her sing-speech brings out the element of irony and darkly pointed wit that is essential. Rattle again proves a natural Schoenbergian, drawing strong, committed performances from the members of the Nash Ensemble ... the sound is excellent."